Electronically limited top speed is the speed at which a computerized governor prevents a vehicle from going any faster.

This provision in a vehicle’s engine management computer prevents the driver from exceeding a preset speed, typically by deactivating the spark or fuel injectors. Presumably, the electronic limiter holds the vehicle below speeds at which it’s likely to become unstable or be damaged — one that far exceeds this country’s legal limits. In some instances, stating a vehicle’s electronically limited top speed, as opposed to just plain top speed, is a manufacturer’s way of suggesting that higher speeds are available to anyone who cares to monkey with the electronic control unit, which usually voids the warranty.

Information for this was taken from the Cars.com glossary, written by Joe Wiesenfelder.

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Answered by Joe Bruzek on December 29, 2008 in Glossary | Permalink

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